Ev's new MFW challenge!

earthgirl

Congratulations on your fitness regime really need to this - how do you motivate yourself?

We noticed a big increase in electric bill when OH started working from home. After a few horrible months of me coming home and switching ALL the many lights off, and getting him fleeces instead of having a boiling unhealthy house he finally got the hint and is a bit more careful now!

I really think we have less colds cause of this!

Enjoy the weekend

evab_2

earthgirl wrote: »

Congratulations on your fitness regime really need to this - how do you motivate yourself?

I set myself little goals, so at the moment I want to lose the pregnancy weight and win the £100 (that's good motivation!) then dh and I enter races to have something to aim towards. We're going to do a 10km in Llandudno in Feb. Running is a great time for me to chill out and get some fresh air, plus I'm not always the most confident of people so when I start to see the results of the running it cheers me up.

StuartGMC

Ev
I agree large goals and small targets are good in combination. I have a regular 3 year and 5 year review where I sit down and reflect on all aspects of career and finances etc, and look forward then for 3 and 5 year periods, plus now the consideration of the 10-15yr in more detail, as I'll be 44 next year.

I find these reviews, just like formal appraisal review at work, can really help things along and setting a formal interval for them ensures you keep coming back to check on progress and modify as appropriate.

evab_2

Hi all,

Had a lovely relaxing weekend with the family, still running apart from today as weather officially minging.

Payday for me tomorrow so will pay mortgage, the next couple of months are going to be expensive with MOT, car tax, car insurance renewal and Xmas so not expecting to be able to pay anything into windows fund but with still pay any extra earnings into ISA.

I got some Amazon vouchers through surveys so have bought another Xmas prezzie, so far done 5/13 and most of it done with vouchers.

I've just applied for a clubcard credit card which will earn me extra points towards my holiday, since I shop there for food I thought I could use each time but make sure I transfer the money from bank account straight away.

I'm doing an online focus group on Wednesday which will earn me £25 if it all goes ahead, it's about finances so should be interesting.

StuartGMC

Ev
A lot of things on your plate, hope you can get those windows soon they'll save on heating and keep the little ones warmer.

Let us know about the online focus group; is this the modern day equivalent of those marketing events I recall as a child when I gave feedback on new drinks and I think also on drink can designs etc? £25 looks good depending on the time it takes.

EssexHebridean

Ev - with your clubcard credit card, can you not, rather than transferring the money over as you go along, just set up an account clearing DD each month so no interest is payable?

You're doing really well - and running too - really impressive. Well done you! I must get my head around starting regular walks again. I can't run as I have arthritic knees (too much horse riding at a young age!) but I usually try to make sure we do plenty of walking ahead of our annual trip to the Hebrides at Easter so I'm ready to hit the hills!

evab_2

Its 0% interest for 6 months anyway, then I'll do the other account - good idea.

Stuart - I'll still try to put the money aside for the windows but I will put it in the normal savings account so I can access it easily should the car cost me a fortune! The focus group will last for an hour so not bad earnings.

evab_2

Right had a rethink, as I'm doing so well with money for mortgage I think it that can take a back seat for a bit whilst I get the money together for the windows. It's still 8 months until I might need the mortgage money whereas the windows are needed asap.

So from today all extra money will go to the windows fund.

frazzmunch

the windows sound like a good idea...just think of how much cash you will save when you are not heating the outside world!! and you'll be adding value to the house too....

fingers crossed that the car isn't too scary!!;)

evab_2

Yep, I just went in Toms room and I think it's colder in there than outside!

I'm going to check the recommendations from the last MOT but I don't think there was much to worry about, need to check the tyres too.